Just as a map projection viewer alone, Flex Projector (Java; versions for Windows, Linux and Mac) would be worth a look. It has over 25 pre-defined map projections that you display (along with listed values for their areal/scale/angular errors), and includes the ability to display two projections at once for comparison purposes (here, Plate Carree in black vs. Mercator in gray):

You can overlay Tissot’s indicatrices on the map to show distortion created by the projection:

Export the entire map display, or just the coastlines/graticule/Tissot’s indicatrices in image or vector formats:

Illustrator

DXF

Shapefile

PDF

JPG

PNG

In addition to the built-in data, you can download more detailed vector data, either from the website or directly from the program itself. You can also import shapefiles, raster images (assumed to be the world in Plate Carree; there are downloadable samples on the website), and ESRI ASCII Grid files, then re-project them in the selected projection and export them (Cylindrical equal area here):

For some reason, I find this projection especially enlightening – it reminds me of how big Africa really is.

But what really sets Flex Projector apart is the ability to create your own projections, using a pre-defined one as your starting point. Among the factors you can change are:

Length of parallels

Distance of parallels from the equator

Bending of parallels

Distance between meridians

Longitude of the center line

For example, starting with the Robinson projection:

I modified some of the parameters to create a new projection that I’m calling the “American” projection:

Once defined, you can save them for loading in another time; you can also export a distortion table with distortion parameters for your projection (labeled “Flex” in the table) along with those for the pre-defined projections.

Flex Projector is a great cartography exploration and learning tool; highly recommended.

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